This pub is always busy. Its a Sam Smiths. The staff can be exceptionally obnoxious.Now, to address the above points, the fact that it's so busy suggests that it's actually a good pub. It is; good beer selection and interesting lively atmosphere always. random conversations can be had as well as private ones and the punters range from students to the west end workers to well off Fitzrovians to tourists.

Its a Sam Smiths Pub. if you don't know what that means , google it. If you do, it's worth knowing that this is one of the most expensive SS pubs there is - weissbeir £3.50/pint, bottles much more.The staff can be rude. however, the surly glass collectress who thumped glasses and collected unfinished pints soon melted into a smily cherub when we engaged her in conversation and smiles. I am by no means saying that this should be necessary (it shouldn't), but London folk can be exceptionally rude and demanding as well and then cry when it comes back to them.. lighten up. and then go to the other SS pubs in the area if you want a seat and cheaper drinks!!

I love Sam Smiths pubs and I rarely find they disappoint. The Fitzroy is clearly the exception that proves the rule. For newbys to an SS pub you can expect really competitive prices and, in London especially, great locations. This has both but it's after this that things go badly awry. Disappointingly there is no cask ale on offer here and the service is the worst I've experienced. Faced with a queue I was informed that the barman 'wasn't serving just at the moment' and his colleague demanded I go to the other side tof the bar to be served (presumably so he didn't have to move more than a foot). The condition of the place was a disgrace (all four urinals out of action for instance). The highlight was the grafiti'd notice in the Gents. Under the ubiquitous sign saying the 'These toilets are checked regularly' some wag had written 'wot each millenium'! Sums it up really.